Transcript for Daring 19-Year-Old Set to Become Youngest Person to Reach Poles on Foot

Now, we turn to that world record about to be set by a courageous american college student in the chilliest conditions on earth. Dan harris has the story. He is a brave one. He is incredibly brave. This is a rough and risky mission. It's happening right now at the bottom of the planet. A 19-year-old american is expected to set a world record in a matter of hours. And we spoke with him this morning. Parker had been battling the elements in one of the most unforgiving and remote parts of the world for the past 19 days. On a mission this morning to break the world record for this journey. Right now, we're close enough that I'm impatient. Reporter: He's a sophomore from yale. And he's attempting to be the youngest person ever to ski across antarctica, with no outside help, except a truck that follows and broadcasts his exploits. It's a coast-to-pole trek that covers a span of more than 397 miles. A grueling slog through temperatures that dip as low as 89 degrees below zero and winds that rise to 55 miles per hour. At one point, they almost had to pull the plug on this mission, over fears that parker had hypothermia. All the while, he and his partner lug 176-pound sleds, carrying the supplies they need to survive. We're pulling our sled, 11 hours a day. It could be through sunshine. Or through 40 knot winds. Reporter: And this college student's go-to meal is, you guessed it, ramen noodles and oatmeal. New haven pizza is what I'm going to have before I get home. Reporter: This effort to break the record landed him on "time's" 30 people under 30 changing the world list, parker insists his goal is not recognition, but instead, environmental awareness. Through the research, we're contributing to better understanding the planet system. Reporter: A little hard to hear him from the south pole. But you mighhave caught as soon as he gets home, he's having pizza. Even after he sets the world record later today, he is going to return to the everyday responsibilities of being a college kid. When he gets back, he has a geo chemistry exam to complete. Congratulations on setting a world record. Is this going to count? It should. And his face covered. Typical college, though. Pizza. Wish him up a of the luck. Love this story for the holidays.

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